Starting October 13, New York City's Looking Glass Theatre will be looking at Shakespeare's tragicomedy Measure for Measure in ways that the Bard never would have expected.

The female-driven Off-Off-Broadway theater company is set to present a gender-bending adaptation of the play stressing gay marriage and the relationship between sex and politics. The heroic nun Isabella is now Iseabail, a conservative Catholic priest. Claudio, arrested for impregnating Juliet, is now Claudia, arrested with Juliet for the crime of lesbianism. And instead of Venice, the play now takes place in the red light district of New Orleans. Directed and adapted by Glory Sims Bowen, the cast includes: Amanda Bailey, Peter Bean, Emily Begin, Christine Bokhour, Orion Delwaterman, Nicole DiGaetano, Megan Ferguson, Paula Galloway, Ethan Gomez, Tania Jeudy, Jesse May, Duncan Pflaster, Susan Rankus, Caroline Samaan, Dax Valdes, Marya Wegman, Jess Cassidy White, and Michael Whitney.

According to production notes, "The Looking Glass Theatre's mission is to explore and expand the feminine aesthetic, producing works by historic female playwrights, new works by women, and productions of the classics re-imagined by contemporary women directors."

The show will play through Nov. 6. The company's theatre is located at 422 W. 57th St., between Ninth and Tenth Aves. For reservations call (212) 352-2101. Tickets are $15. Visit www.lookingglasstheatrenyc.com for more info about the adaptation.